Tex-Mex Crockpot Chicken Tacos: A Lone Star Slow Cooker Symphony

Tex-Mex Chicken Taco Bar

Yeehaw, gather 'round, partners! This here's a recipe for chicken tacos so dang good, they'll make you wanna slap your mama (but don't, she probably wants one too). We're talkin' tender, juicy chicken simmered low and slow in a Tex-Mex bath of flavor. Get ready to wrangle up some grub!

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

Ingredients:

* 2 pounds organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts

* 1-pound organic boneless, skinless chicken thighs

* 2 tablespoons organic olive oil

* 1 large organic yellow onion, finely minced

* 4 cloves organic garlic, minced or a couple of tsps. of that store-bought jar of minced garlic!

* 1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite organic salsa (medium heat recommended, but you do you)

* 1 cup organic chicken broth

* 2 tablespoons organic chili powder

* 1 tablespoon organic cumin

* 2 teaspoon organic dried oregano

* 1 teaspoon organic onion powder

* 1 teaspoon organic garlic powder

* 1 teaspoon organic salt (sea salt or kosher salt preferred)

* 1/2 cup chopped organic fresh cilantro, or 2 tablespoons dried cilantro (depends on your taste buds)

* Corn or flour tortillas, warmed

* Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Equipment:

* 6-quart or larger slow cooker (crockpot)

* Large skillet

* Wooden spoon or spatula

* Two forks

Instructions:

Get the Show on the Road:

1. First things first, give your chicken a good pat down with paper towels. We don't want no soggy birds.

2. In a large skillet, heat up that organic olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced organic onion and garlic and cook 'em till they're softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Don't let 'em burn, now!

3. OR the easy way: you can just dump everything in the crockpot without sauteing the garlic and onions, including the olive oil.

Crockpot Conjuring:

1. Now, in your trusty crockpot, pour in that organic chicken broth and give it a good slather on the bottom.

2. Lay them chicken breasts and thighs right on top of the broth.

3. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken.

4. Next, dump in that jar of organic salsa.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the organic chili powder, organic cumin, organic oregano, organic onion powder, organic garlic powder, organic salt, and organic cilantro (if using dried). Sprinkle this flavor bomb all over the chicken.

6. OR the easy way: just dump everything into that crockpot, including all the spices, and mix it with the broth without dirtying up that bowl! It all comes out finger-likin' good!

Slow Cooker Serenade:

1. Cover that crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You'll know it's ready when that chicken practically falls apart with a gentle nudge.

Taco Time Tango:

1. Once the chicken's cooked, take it out of the crockpot and put it on a plate or in a bowl. Use two forks to shred that chicken into tasty little strands.

2. Pour some of the juice from the crockpot over the shredded chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. 

3. OR the easy way: Shred that chicken and put it back in the crockpot and add a slotted spoon to drain each delicious bite you are gonna put on that darn taco! You can also just leave the chicken in the crockpot and shred it with that dang sharp fork. Your choice. I prefer to remove the chicken, shred it and put it right back into that delicious broth in your crockpot and serve it.

4. Time to assemble them tacos! Warm up your tortillas, then load 'em up with that shredded chicken. Pile on your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, a squeeze of lime – the whole shebang!

5. Garnish with fresh organic cilantro, if you like.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve with a side of organic Mexican rice and organic black beans for a complete Tex-Mex fiesta.

* Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like to crank up the heat.

* Don't forget the margaritas!

Howdy, enjoy your Tex-Mex Crockpot Chicken Tacos!